Senator HERRON (Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs) (3:02 PM)
—I can respond to Senator Evans's question earlier in regard to the matter of the return to order. In November it was indicated to the Senate that the minister was not prepared to disclose the documents requested in the order for reasons related to the nature of the ongoing investigations being conducted by the Health Insurance Commission. These investigations have now been largely completed. The Health Insurance Commission has provided him with a report and a copy of the report has been provided to the Senate. As was indicated to the Senate in a letter of 23 December 1999, he is currently reviewing the other documents requested under the order to ensure that matters of public interest are taken into account before the materials are released.